Systems and methods for control, monitoring and mapping of agricultural applications

ABSTRACT

A system and method for monitoring an agricultural implement. The system includes a monitor device, a communication module and a display device. The monitor device is in electrical communication with a plurality of sensors monitoring the operation of agricultural implement. The implement sensors generate “as-applied” data. The as-applied data is processed and transmitted to a display device via a communication module. The display device renders maps representing the as-applied data. The generated maps may be accessed and displayed as map overlays on a display device with a common view characteristic.

BENEFIT CLAIM

This application claims the benefit as a Continuation of applicationSer. No. 15/645,967, filed Jul. 10, 2017, which claims the benefit as aContinuation of application Ser. No. 14/420,863, filed Aug. 12, 2015,which claims the benefit as a U.S. National Phase Application ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2013/054506, filed Aug. 12, 2013,which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/738,292,filed Dec. 17, 2012, and Provisional Application No. 61/682,074, filedAug. 10, 2012, the entire contents of all of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The applicanthereby rescinds any disclaimer of claim scope in the parent applicationsor the prosecution history thereof and advises the USPTO that the claimsin this application may be broader than any claim in the parentapplications.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the price of crop inputs and the increased availabilityof spatial mapping of agricultural operations have revealed the need forimproved monitoring techniques to improve operator and growerdecision-making based on spatial variations in farming practices. Thusthere is a need in the art for improved methods of controlling,monitoring and mapping agricultural applications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a monitor system anddata transmission between components of the monitor system.

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a row unit withcomponents of the monitor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of a tractor and planter with the rowunit of FIG. 2A and other components of the monitor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating a map ofdownforce and ground contact.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a downforce and ground contact map.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a population map.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating apopulation map.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a seed spacing map.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating a plantingerror map.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a seed singulation map.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a ride quality map.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating a ridequality map.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a process for setting up a monitorsystem, controlling an implement, and storing and mapping operationaldata.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a process for generating apopulation deviation map.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a population deviation map.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a map screen displaying a liveplanting map and a prior season planting map.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a map screen displaying a liveyield map and a completed planting map.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a map screen displaying anapplication rate map and a live yield map.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a map screen displaying a soil typemap and a live yield map.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a process for displayingagricultural data.

DESCRIPTION

Monitor System Overview

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of a monitor system 100. The monitor system100 preferably includes a monitor device 110, a communication module120, and a display device 130. The monitor device 110 preferablyincludes a graphical user interface (GUI) 112, memory 114, and a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 116. The monitor device 110 is in electricalcommunication with the communication module 120 via a harness 150. Thecommunication module 120 preferably includes an authentication chip 122and memory 126. The communication module 120 is in electricalcommunication with the display device 130 via a harness 152. The displaydevice 130 preferably includes a GUI 132, memory 134, a CPU 136 and awireless Internet connection means 154 for connecting to a “cloud” basedstorage server 140. One such wireless Internet connection means 154 maycomprise a cellular modem 138. Alternatively, the wireless Internetconnection means 154 may comprise a wireless adapter 139 forestablishing an Internet connection via a wireless router.

The display device 130 may be a consumer computing device or othermulti-function computing device. The display device 130 preferablyincludes general purpose software including an Internet browser. Thedisplay device 130 also preferably includes a motion sensor 137, such asa gyroscope or accelerometer, and preferably uses a signal generated bythe motion sensor 137 to determine a desired modification of the GUI132. The display device 130 also preferably includes a digital camera135 whereby pictures taken with the camera 135 may be associated with aglobal positioning system (GPS) position, stored in the memory 134 andtransferred to the cloud storage server 140. The display device 130 alsopreferably includes a GPS receiver 131.

The monitor device 110 is preferably in electrical communication withseed sensors 160, downforce sensors 162, ride quality sensors 164, a GPSreceiver 166, and one or more speed sensors 168 via a harness 156. Themonitor device 110 is preferably in electrical communication withclutches 170, drives 172, and downforce valves 174 via a harness 158.

Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of the monitor system 100 isillustrated integrated on a planter 10 drawn by a tractor 5. The planter10 includes a transversely extending toolbar 14 to which multiple rowunits 200 are mounted.

Referring to FIG. 2A, each row unit 200 is supported from the toolbar 14by a parallel linkage 216 which permits each row unit to move verticallyindependently of the toolbar and the other spaced row units in order toaccommodate changes in terrain or upon the row unit encountering a rockor other obstruction as the planter is drawn through the field. The ridequality sensor 164, preferably an accelerometer, is mounted to the rowunit 200 and disposed to measure the vertical velocity and accelerationof the row unit 200. Speed sensors 168, such as radar speed sensors orGPS speed sensors, are preferably mounted to the toolbar 14 or to therow unit 200. A downforce actuator 218, such as an air bag, hydraulic orpneumatic cylinder or the like, acts on the parallel linkage 16 to exerta downforce on the row unit. The downforce valve 174, such as anelectrically operated servo valve, controls the amount of downforceapplied by the downforce actuator 218. Each row unit 200 furtherincludes a front mounting bracket 220 to which is mounted a hoppersupport beam 222 and a subframe 224. The hopper support beam 222supports a seed hopper 226 and a fertilizer hopper 228 as well asoperably supporting a seed meter 230 and a seed tube 232. The subframe224 operably supports a furrow opening assembly 234 and a furrow closingassembly 236.

In operation of the planter 10, the furrow opening assembly 234 of therow unit 200 cuts a furrow 38 into the soil surface 40 as the planter 10is drawn through the field. The seed hopper 226, which holds the seedsto be planted, communicates a constant supply of seeds 42 to the seedmeter 230. In some embodiments the planter 10 is a central-fill planterincluding a frame-mounted bulk hopper as is known in the art; in suchembodiments the seed hopper 226 preferably comprises a small auxiliaryhopper in seed communication with the bulk hopper. The seed meter 230 ofeach row unit 200 is preferably selectively engaged to the drive 172 viathe clutch 170 such that individual seeds 42 are metered and dischargedinto the seed tube 232 at regularly spaced intervals based on the seedpopulation desired and the speed at which the planter is drawn throughthe field. The drive 172 and clutch 170 may be of the types disclosed inApplicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/228,075 incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference. In other embodiments, the clutch170 is omitted and the drives 172 comprise electric drives such as thosedisclosed in Applicant's International Patent Application No.PCT/US2013/051971, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Theseed sensor 160, preferably an optical sensor, is supported by the seedtube 232 and disposed to detect the presence of seeds 42 as they pass.The seed 42 drops from the end of the seed tube 232 into the furrow 38and the seeds 42 are covered with soil by the closing wheel assembly236.

The furrow opening assembly 234 preferably includes a pair of furrowopening disk blades 244 and a pair of gauge wheels 248 selectivelyvertically adjustable relative to the disk blades 244 by a depthadjusting mechanism 268. The depth adjusting mechanism 268 preferablypivots about the downforce sensor 162, which preferably comprises a pininstrumented with strain gauges for measuring the force exerted on thegauge wheels 248 by the soil 40. The downforce sensor 162 is preferablyof the type disclosed in Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/522,253, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In otherembodiments, the downforce sensor is of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,389,999, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Thedisk blades 244 are rotatably supported on a shank 254 depending fromthe subframe 224. Gauge wheel arms 260 pivotally support the gaugewheels 248 from the subframe 224. The gauge wheels 248 are rotatablymounted to the forwardly extending gauge wheel arms 260.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the GPS receiver 166 is preferably mounted to anupper portion of the tractor 5. The display device 130, communicationmodule 120, and monitor device 110 are mounted in a cab 7 of the tractor5. One or more speed sensors 168, such as a hall-effect wheel speedsensor or a radar speed sensor, are preferably mounted to the tractor 5.

Monitor System Operation

In operation, the monitor system 100 of FIG. 1 preferably carries out aprocess designated generally by reference numeral 1200 in FIG. 12.Referring to FIG. 12 in combination with FIG. 1, at step 1205, thecommunication module 120 preferably performs an authentication routinein which the communication module 120 receives a first set ofauthentication data 190 from the monitor device 110 and theauthentication chip 122 compares the authentication data 190 to a key,token or code stored in the memory 126 of the communication module 120or which is transmitted from the display device 130. If theauthentication data 190 is correct, the communication module 120preferably transmits a second set of authentication data 191 to thedisplay device 130 such that the display device 130 permits transfer ofother data between the monitor device 110 and the display device 130 viathe communication module 120 as indicated in FIG. 1.

At step 1210, the monitor device 110 accepts configuration input enteredby the user via the GUI 112. In some embodiments, the GUI 112 may beomitted and configuration input may be entered by the user via the GUI132 of the display device 130. The configuration input comprisesparameters preferably including dimensional offsets between the GPSreceiver 166 and the seed tubes 232 and operational parameters of theclutches 170, drives 172 and downforce valves 174. The monitor device110 then transmits the resulting configuration data 188 to the displaydevice 130 via the communication module 120 as indicated in FIG. 1.

At step 1212, the display device 130 preferably accesses prescriptiondata file 186 from the cloud storage server 140. The prescription datafile 186 preferably includes a file (e.g., a shape file) containinggeographic boundaries (e.g., a field boundary) and relating geographiclocations (e.g., GPS coordinates) to operating parameters (e.g., seedplanting rates). The display device 130 preferably allows the user toedit the prescription data file 186 using the GUI 132. The displaydevice 130 preferably reconfigures the prescription data file 186 foruse by the monitor device 110 and transmits resulting prescription data185 to the monitor via the communication module 120.

At step 1214, as the planter 10 is drawn through the field, the monitordevice 110 sends command signals 198 to the clutches 170, drives 172 anddownforce valves 174. Command signals 198 preferably include signalsdetermining whether one or more clutches 170 are engaged, signalsdetermining the rate at which drives 172 are driven, and signalsdetermining the downforce set by downforce valves 174.

At step 1215, as the planter 10 is drawn through the field, the monitordevice 110 receives raw as-applied data 181 including signals from seedsensors 160, downforce sensors 162, ride quality sensors 164, GPSreceiver 166 and seed sensors 168. The monitor device 110 preferablyprocesses the raw as-applied data 181, and stores the as-applied data tothe memory 114. The monitor 130 preferably transmits processedas-applied data 182 to the display device 130 via the communicationmodule 120. The processed as-applied data 182 is preferably streaming,piecewise, or partial data.

It should be appreciated that according to the method 1200, implementcontrol and data storage are performed by the monitor device 110 suchthat if the display device 130 stops functioning, is removed from themonitor system 100, or is used for other functions, the implementoperations and essential data storage are not interrupted.

At step 1220, the display device 130 receives and stores the liveprocessed as-applied data 182 in the memory 134. At step 1225, thedisplay device 130 preferably renders a map of the processed as-applieddata 182 (e.g., a population map) as described more fully elsewhereherein. The map preferably includes a set of application map imagessuperimposed on an aerial image. At step 1230, the display device 130preferably displays a numerical aggregation of as-applied data (e.g.,population planted by a row unit over the last 5 seconds). At step 1235,the display device 130 preferably stores the location, size and otherdisplay characteristics of the application map images rendered at step1225 in the memory 134. At step 1238, after completing plantingoperations, the display device 130 preferably transmits processedas-applied data file 183 to the cloud storage server 140. Processedas-applied data file 183 is preferably a complete file (e.g., a datafile). At step 1240 the monitor device 110 preferably stores completedas-applied data (e.g., in a data file) in the memory 114.

Mapping and Display Methods

The monitor system 100 preferably displays a downforce map 400 asillustrated in FIG. 4. The downforce map 400 preferably includes aschematic representation of the location of planter 10 and itstransversely-spaced row units (e.g., row units 1-4). As the planter 10traverses the field, a map block (e.g., map block 428) is placed in thelocation occupied by each row unit 1-4. The pattern, symbol or color ofeach map block corresponds to a legend 410 preferably displayed in thedownforce map 400. The legend 410 preferably includes a set of legendranges (e.g., legend ranges 412, 414, 416, 418) including, for example,a pattern, symbol or color and a corresponding value range. In the caseof legend range 418, the pattern corresponds to a ground contactparameter range while the patterns of legend ranges 412, 414, 416correspond to downforce ranges as discussed below. It should beappreciated that the legend ranges 412, 414, 416, 418 correspond to mapblocks 422, 424, 426, 428, respectively. An interface 90 allows the userto select which map (e.g., downforce map 400) is currently displayed onthe screen.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays the downforce map 400according to a process designated generally by reference numeral 300 inFIG. 3. At step 305, the monitor device 110 records the positionreported by the GPS receiver 166 and determines the position of each rowunit. At step 308, the monitor device 110 records the signal generatedby the downforce sensors 162. At step 310, the monitor device 110 usesthe downforce signal to calculate a ground contact parameter related tothe consistency of full depth penetration by the opener discs 244 (e.g.,by calculating a percentage of time during a predefined sampling periodin which the downforce signal is greater than a threshold such as zero).At step 315, the display device 130 preferably determines whether theground contact parameter is greater than a threshold value. If theground contact parameter is not greater than the threshold value, thenat step 320 the display device 130 preferably displays a lost groundcontact block 428. If the ground contact parameter is greater than thethreshold value, then at step 325 the display device 130 preferablyidentifies the legend range corresponding to the downforce signal (e.g.,if the signal level is 50 lbs, the display identifies legend range 416).At step 330, the display device 130 displays a map block correspondingto the identified legend range (e.g., if legend range 416 is identified,map block 426 is displayed).

The monitor system 100 preferably displays a population map 500 anembodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 5. The population map 500preferably includes a schematic representation of the location ofplanter 10 and its transversely-spaced row units (e.g., row units 1-4).As the planter 10 traverses the map, a map block (e.g., map block 522)is placed in the location occupied by each row unit 1-4. The pattern,symbol or color of each map block corresponds to a legend 510 preferablydisplayed in the population map 500. The legend 510 preferably includesa set of legend ranges (e.g., legend ranges 512, 514, 516) including apattern, symbol or color and a corresponding value range. The legendranges 512, 514, 516 correspond to population ranges as discussed below.It should be appreciated that the legend ranges 512, 514, 516 correspondto map blocks 522, 524, 526, respectively. The population map 500preferably includes an aggregate interface 580 displaying the aggregatepopulation (e.g., the population planted over the last 5 seconds) by anindividual row or the entire planter and allowing the user to select therow (e.g., row 3 in FIG. 5) for which the aggregate population isdisplayed. The population map 500 also preferably displays multipledirection images 8 indicating the direction of the planter 10. Thedirection images 8 are preferably superimposed over or adjacent to oneor more map blocks (e.g., map block 522) and indicate the direction ofthe planter 10 at the time the superimposed or adjacent map blocks wereplaced.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays the population map 500according to an embodiment of a process designated generally byreference numeral 600 in FIG. 6. At step 605, the monitor device 110records the position reported by the GPS receiver 166 and determines theposition of each row unit. At step 610, the monitor device 110preferably counts the number of seed pulses (predefined changes in valueor slope of the signal generated by each seed sensor 160) in multipleintervals (e.g., one-second intervals). At step 615, the monitor device110 preferably stores the time of corresponding seed pulses in multipleintervals (e.g., the time of the last seed pulse in each interval). Atstep 616, the monitor device 110 preferably calculates the time betweenthe corresponding seed pulses in each subsequent interval. At step 618,the monitor device 110 preferably determines the row velocity of eachrow during the first interval (e.g., by averaging all row velocitymeasurements during the first interval). In some embodiments, themonitor device 110 assumes the row velocity of each row is equal to thespeed reported by a speed sensor 168 mounted to the tractor along thedirection of travel. In other embodiments, the monitor device 110calculates a row-specific velocity more accurately (e.g., when executingturns) using one or more speed sensors 168 mounted to the toolbar 14 orto one or more row units 200. At step 620, the monitor device 110calculates the as-applied population within a first interval, preferablyusing the following formula:

${Population} = {\frac{SeedCount}{{{Spacing}({ft})} \times {{Time}(s)} \times {{Speed}\left( \frac{ft}{s} \right)}} \times 43500\frac{{ft}^{2}}{acre}}$

Where:

-   -   SeedCount=Number of seeds counted at the row during instant        interval.    -   Spacing=Planter row spacing included in the configuration data.    -   Time=Time between corresponding seed pulses from instant        interval and prior interval.    -   Speed=Magnitude of row velocity.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, at step 625 the display device 130preferably associates the first interval with a map area (e.g., usingone or more positions reported by the GPS receiver 166 during the firstinterval). At step 630, the display device 130 preferably determines asize of a population map block to cover the map area associated with thefirst interval (e.g., a rectangle having a length corresponding to thepositions reported by the GPS receiver 166 at the beginning and end ofthe first interval, and having a width equal to the planter rowspacing). Thus it should be appreciated that for each row unit, eachinterval is associated with a map block.

With reference to FIG. 5, it should be appreciated that the length ofthe population map blocks may vary depending on the row unit velocityduring each interval. At step 635, the display device 130 preferablyselects a population image characteristic (e.g., a pattern, symbol orcolor) based on the legend range in legend 510 associated with thepopulation calculated for the first interval (e.g., population map block522 has a calculated population of 36,500 seeds per acre and thus has apattern corresponding to legend range 512). At step 640, the displaydevice 130 preferably displays the population map block in the map areaassociated with the first interval. At step 645, the display device 130determines the direction of implement travel during the first interval(e.g., by determining the direction of a line between the positionduring the first interval and the position during a prior interval). Atstep 650 the display device 130 preferably displays an image (e.g.,direction images 8 in FIG. 5) indicating the direction of travel. Eachdirection image is preferably superimposed over one or more populationmap blocks associated with the first interval. It should be appreciatedthat the direction images 8 assist the user in determining which planterrow unit planted each row when reviewing the map after plantingoperations.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays a spacing map 700 asillustrated in FIG. 7. The spacing map 700 preferably includes aschematic representation of the location of planter 10 and itstransversely-spaced row units (e.g., row units 1-4). As the planter 10traverses the field, a spacing map unit 750 (e.g., map unit 750-1) isplaced in the location occupied on the map 700 by each row unit 1-4.Each spacing map unit 750 is preferably substantially filled withspacing map blocks (e.g., spacing map block 722). The pattern, symbol orcolor of each spacing map block corresponds to a legend 710 preferablydisplayed in the spacing map 700. The legend 710 preferably includes aset of legend ranges (e.g., legend ranges 712, 714, 716) including apattern, symbol or color and a corresponding range of seed spacingquality, as discussed below. It should be appreciated that the legendranges 712, 714, 716 correspond to spacing map blocks 722, 724, 726,respectively. Each map unit 750 preferably includes the same totalnumber of map blocks (e.g., five). The number of each type of spacingmap block corresponds to the number of spacing errors (or non-errors)associated with the corresponding legend range. For example, threespacing map blocks (including map block 726) categorized as “Good” areincluded in the spacing map unit 750-1, indicating that approximately 60percent of the seed spacing within spacing map unit 750-1 is categorizedas “Good”.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays a singulation map 900 asillustrated in FIG. 9. The singulation map 900 preferably includes aschematic representation of the location of planter 10 and itstransversely-spaced row units (e.g., row units 1-4). As the planter 10traverses the field, a singulation map unit 950 (e.g., map unit 950-1)is placed in the location occupied on the map 900 by each row unit 1-4.Each singulation map unit 950 is preferably filled with singulation mapblocks (e.g., singulation map block 922). The pattern, symbol or colorof each singulation map block corresponds to a legend 910 preferablydisplayed in the singulation map 900. The legend 910 preferably includesa set of legend ranges (e.g., legend ranges 912, 914, 916) including apattern, symbol or color and a corresponding range of seed singulationquality, as discussed below. It should be appreciated that the legendranges 912, 914, 916 correspond to singulation map blocks 922, 924, 926,respectively. Each map unit 950 preferably includes the same totalnumber of map blocks (e.g., five). The number of each type ofsingulation map block corresponds to the number of singulation errors(or non-errors) associated with the corresponding legend range. Forexample, four singulation map blocks (including map block 926)categorized as “Good” are included in the singulation map unit 950-1,indicating that approximately 80 percent of the seed singulation withinsingulation map unit 950-1 is categorized as “Good”.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays the spacing map 700 and thesingulation map 900 according to a process designated generally byreference numeral 800 in FIG. 8. At step 805, the monitor device 110records the position reported by the GPS receiver 166 and determines theposition of each row unit. At step 810, the monitor device 110 recordsthe times of seed pulses within multiple subsequent intervals. At step815, the monitor device 110 identifies and categorizes errors (e.g.,spacing errors and singulation errors) within a first interval. Indisplaying the spacing map 700, the monitor device 110 preferablyidentifies spacing errors categorized as “Severe” and “Moderate”according to the method of classifying seeds as “misplaced2” or“misplaced4”, respectively, as disclosed in Applicant's U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/292,384 (“the '384 application”), incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference. In displaying the singulation map900, the monitor device 110 preferably identifies singulation errorscategorized as “Skips” and “Multiples” according to the method ofclassifying errors as “Skips” and “Multiples”, respectively as disclosedin the '384 application, previously incorporated by reference. At step820, the monitor device 110 preferably counts the number of errors ofeach type within the first interval. At step 825, the display device 130preferably determines the number of each type of error block (e.g., thenumber of map blocks corresponding to “Skips” or “Multiples” in thesingulation map 900 or the number of map blocks corresponding to“Severe” or “Moderate” spacing errors in the spacing map 700. Step 825is preferably carried out by calculating a percentage of seeds in thefirst interval to which each error applies and rounding the percentageto a fraction equal to the number of error blocks divided by the totalnumber of blocks in the map unit. For example, in the singulation map900 of FIG. 9, 18% of the seeds in the interval associated with map unit950-1 are classified as skips such that one map block out of the fivemap blocks in the map unit is displayed as a “Skip” error block. At step830, the display preferably determines the number of “Good” blockswithin the first interval by determining the number of blocks notassigned to errors. At step 835, the display device 130 preferably sizesand places the map unit to cover the area traversed by the row unitduring the first interval. At step 840, the display device 130preferably randomizes the order of error blocks and good blocks withinthe map unit. At step 845, the display device 130 preferably places theerror blocks and good blocks within the map unit.

In other embodiments of the process 800, the display device 130 displaysa map block corresponding to each seed or to each individual spacing orsingulation calculation falling within the map unit.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays a ride quality map 1000 asillustrated in FIG. 10. The ride quality map 1000 preferably includes aschematic representation of the location of planter 10 and itstransversely-spaced row units (e.g., row units 1-4). As the planter 10traverses the field, a map block (e.g., map block 1022) is placed in thelocation occupied on the map 1000 by each row unit 1-4. The pattern,symbol or color of each map block corresponds to a legend 1010preferably displayed in the population map 1000. The legend 1010preferably includes a set of legend ranges (e.g., legend ranges 1012,1014, 1016, 1018) including a pattern, symbol or color and acorresponding value range. The legend ranges 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018correspond to ride quality ranges as discussed below. It should beappreciated that the legend ranges 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018 correspond tomap blocks 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, respectively.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays the ride quality map 1000according to a process illustrated generally by reference numeral 1100in FIG. 11. At step 1105, the monitor device 110 records the positionreported by the GPS receiver 166 and determines the position of each rowunit. At step 1110, the monitor device 110 preferably records the signalgenerated by the ride quality sensor 164 associated with each row unit.As discussed elsewhere herein, the ride quality sensor 164 preferablycomprises an accelerometer disposed to measure the vertical velocity andacceleration of the row unit. At step 1115, the monitor device 110preferably calculates a ride quality parameter using the values of theride quality sensor signal during a first interval. In some embodimentsthe ride quality parameter is preferably calculated according to thefollowing equation:

${{Ride}\mspace{11mu}{Quality}} = {\frac{T_{L}}{T_{INT}} \times 100\%}$

Where:

-   -   T_(INT)=Total time duration of the interval, and    -   T_(L)=Time during interval in which vertical velocity is greater        than a predefined limit.

In other embodiments, T_(L) corresponds to the time in which verticalacceleration is greater than a predefined limit. Continuing to refer toFIG. 11, at step 1120 the display device 130 preferably identifies alegend range corresponding to the ride quality parameter calculated forthe first interval. At step 1125, the display device 130 preferablydisplays a map block corresponding to the identified legend range. Forexample, in FIG. 10 the ride quality at row 4 has been calculated at 92%so that map block 1024 has a pattern corresponding to legend range 1014.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays a population deviation map1400 as illustrated in FIG. 14. The population deviation map 1400preferably includes a schematic representation of the location ofplanter 10 and its transversely-spaced row units (e.g., row units 1-4).As the planter 10 traverses the field, a map block (e.g., map block1422) is placed in the location occupied on the map 1400 by each rowunit 1-4. The pattern, symbol or color of each map block corresponds toa legend 1410 preferably displayed in the population deviation map 1400.The legend 1410 preferably includes a set of legend ranges (e.g., legendranges 1412, 1414, 1416) including a pattern, symbol or color and acorresponding value range. The legend ranges 1412, 1414, 1416 correspondto population deviation ranges as discussed below. It should beappreciated that the legend ranges 1412, 1414, 1416 correspond to mapblocks 1422, 1424, 1426, respectively. The population deviation map 1400preferably includes an interface 1490 displaying a histogram 1492representing the statistical distribution of population deviation for agiven row (or multiple rows) over a time interval and allowing the userto select the row for which the histogram 1492 is displayed.

The monitor system 100 preferably displays the population deviation map1400 according to a process illustrated generally by reference numeral1300 in FIG. 13. At step 1305, the monitor device 110 records theposition reported by the GPS receiver 166 and determines the position ofeach row unit. At step 1310, the monitor device 110 preferably countsseed pulses from the seed sensor 160 at each row unit. At step 1315, themonitor device 110 preferably associates a seed pulse count with a firstinterval. At step 1320, the monitor 1320 preferably calculates thepopulation applied in the first interval (e.g., as disclosed herein withrespect to process 600 of FIG. 6). At step 1325, the display device 130preferably associates the first interval with a map area. At step 1330,the display device 130 calculates a population error between the appliedpopulation and the prescribed population at the map area associated withthe first interval. The population error is preferably calculated usingthe following equation:

${{Population}\mspace{14mu}{Error}} = {\frac{{{{Prescribed}\mspace{14mu}{Population}} - {{Applied}\mspace{14mu}{Population}}}}{{Prescribed}\mspace{14mu}{Population}} \times 100\%}$

It should be appreciated that in carrying out step 1330 the displaydevice 130 determines the prescribed population by accessing theprescription data 185 stored in the memory 134. At step 1335, thedisplay device 130 selects a block characteristic (e.g., pattern, symbolor color) by identifying the legend range corresponding to thepopulation error. At step 1340, the display device 130 preferablydisplays a map block having the selected characteristic in the map areaassociated with the first interval. For example, in the populationdeviation map 1400 of FIG. 14, row 4 has planted an interval having 3%population error such that the resulting map block 1424 has a patterncorresponding to legend range 1414. At step 1345, the display device 130preferably displays a histogram 1492 representing the statisticaldistribution population error or deviation for a selected row (ormultiple rows) over a second interval, which second interval ispreferably longer than the first interval.

Linked Mapping Methods

A process for displaying linked maps of agricultural data is illustratedgenerally by reference numeral 1900 in FIG. 19. At step 1905, thedisplay device 130 preferably accesses aerial image map tilescorresponding to a location. At step 1910, the display device 130preferably accesses first and second sets of agricultural data. Each setof agricultural data preferably comprises agricultural data associatedwith geo-referenced locations such that a spatial map may be generatedtherefrom. At step 1915, the display device 130 preferably generates afirst map overlay corresponding to the first set of agricultural dataand a second map overlay corresponding to the second set of agriculturaldata. At step 1920 the display device 130 preferably displays a firstmap comprising the first map overlay, preferably superimposed over afirst aerial image map. At step 1925 the display device 130 preferablydisplays a second map comprising the second map overlay, preferablysuperimposed over a second aerial image map. The second map preferablyhas a view characteristic (e.g., orientation, scale, zoom level orcenter) equal to the same view characteristic of the first map. Thesecond map preferably has multiple view characteristics equal to thesame view characteristics of the first map. The second map is preferablyat least partly disjoined from the first map (e.g., the second map maybe displayed side-by-side with the first map). At step 1930, the displaydevice 130 preferably displays a first annotation on the first map and asecond annotation on the second map. Both the first annotation andsecond annotation preferably correspond to the same geo-referencedlocation such that a user may reference the annotation to visuallydetermine corresponding locations on the first and second maps.

Continuing to refer to the process 1900, at step 1935 the display device130 preferably receives and implements a user command to apply a firstmodification to a view characteristic of the first map. In someembodiments the user command comprises a manipulation of a userinterface displayed on the map (e.g., adjustment of a scale to adjustzoom level). In other embodiments the user command comprises amanipulation of a touch screen of the display (e.g., “pinching” thetouch screen to adjust zoom level). At step 1940, upon determining thata modification has been made to the first map, the display device 130preferably matches the visible area and zoom level of the second map tothe visible area and zoom level of the first map. The display device 130preferably matches the visible area of the second map to the visiblearea the first map by determining the geo-referenced locationscorresponding to a boundary of the first map and then re-drawing thesecond map such that a boundary of the second map corresponds to thesame geo-referenced locations.

In an alternative embodiment of step 1940, the display device 130applies a second modification to the second map corresponding to thefirst modification and preferably applies the second modification to thesame view characteristic as the first modification. For example, if thefirst modification comprises rotation of the first map about a firstangle, then the second modification preferably comprises rotation of thesecond map about the first angle.

At step 1945, the display device 130 preferably receives and implementsa user command to apply a modification to a view characteristic of thesecond map. At step 1950, upon determining that a modification has beenmade to the second map, the display device 130 preferably matches thevisible area and zoom level of the first map to the visible area andzoom level of the second map.

Turning to FIG. 15, a first implementation of the process 1900 isillustrated in a map screen 1500. The map screen 1500 preferablyincludes a live planting map window 1550 and a prior season planting mapwindow 1560. The live planting map window 1550 preferably displays a mapoverlay 1555 comprised of map blocks 1522, 1524, 1526 representing liveplanting data (e.g., population) associated with the location of theblock. As the planter traverses the field, an annotation indicating thelocation of the planter 10 as it traverses the field and a map block(e.g., map block 1524) is placed in the location occupied on the mapscreen 1500 by each row unit 1-4. The pattern, symbol or color of eachmap block corresponds to a legend 1510 preferably displayed in the liveplanting map window 1550. The legend 1510 preferably includes a set oflegend ranges (e.g., legend ranges 1512, 1514, 1516) including apattern, symbol or color and a corresponding value range. The legendranges 1512, 1514, 1516 correspond to population ranges. It should beappreciated that the legend ranges 1512, 1514, 1516 correspond to mapblocks 1522, 1524, 1526, respectively. A boundary 1580-1 preferablydefines the extent of the map being displayed. The boundary 1580-1preferably remains in the same position with respect to the borders ofthe live planting map window 1550. In some embodiments, the boundary1580-1 is coextensive with the borders of the live planting map window1550. An orientation indicator 1575-1 preferably indicates the currentorientation of the map layer 1555. When the map layer 1555 is rotated,the orientation indicator 1575-1 preferably updates to display theorientation of the map layer with respect to north. An annotation 1570-1preferably remains at the same position with respect to the boundary1580-1 as the map layer 1555 is manipulated.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 15, the prior season planting map window1560 preferably displays a prior season planting data map overlay 1565comprised of map polygons 1542, 1544, 1546 representing planting data(e.g., population) from a prior season. The pattern, symbol or color ofeach map polygon corresponds to a legend 1530 preferably displayed inthe prior season planting map window 1560. The legend 1530 preferablyincludes a set of legend ranges (e.g., legend ranges 1532, 1534, 1536)including a pattern, symbol or color and a corresponding value range.The legend ranges 1512, 1514, 1516 correspond to population ranges. Itshould be appreciated that the legend ranges 1532, 1534, 1536 correspondto map blocks 1542, 1544, 1546, respectively. A boundary 1580-2preferably defines the extent of the map being displayed. The boundary1580-2 preferably remains in the same position with respect to theborders of the live planting map window 1550. In some embodiments theboundary 1580-2 is coextensive with the borders of the live planting mapwindow 1550. The boundaries 1580-1, 1580-2 preferably correspond to thesame set of geo-referenced coordinates. An orientation indicator 1575-2preferably indicates the current orientation of the map layer 1565. Whenthe map layer 1565 is rotated, the orientation indicator 1575-2preferably updates to display the orientation of the map layer withrespect to north. An annotation 1570-2 preferably remains at the sameposition with respect to the boundary 1580-2 as the map layer 1565 ismanipulated. The annotations 1570-1, 1570-2 preferably correspond to thesame geo-referenced location (e.g., the same GPS coordinates) such thata user may use the annotations as a point of reference to comparecorresponding locations on the map layers 1555, 1565.

Turning to FIG. 16, a second implementation of the process 1900 isillustrated in a map screen 1600. The map screen 1600 preferablyincludes a completed planting map window 1650 and a live yield mapwindow 1660. The completed planting map window 1650 is preferablysimilar to the live planting map window of FIG. 15, except that the datahas been completed in a prior planting operation and is obtained from afile stored in memory. The live yield map window 1660 preferablyincludes a map layer 1665 comprising yield map polygons 1632, 1634, 1636(or blocks similar to those used in the planting maps described herein)corresponding to ranges 1622, 1624, 1626 of a yield legend 1620. As thecombine traverses the field, a combine annotation 12 indicates thecurrent location of the combine within the map.

Turning to FIG. 17, a third implementation of the process 1900 isillustrated in a map screen 1700. The map screen 1700 preferablyincludes an input application window 1750 and a live yield map window1660 substantially similar to the live yield map window 1660 in the mapscreen 1600 of FIG. 16. The input application window 1750 preferablydisplays a map layer 1755 representing spatially varying rate ofapplication of a crop input; in the illustrated embodiment, the maplayer 1755 represents the rate of application of nitrogen. The map layer1755 preferably comprises a set of application rate polygons 1722, 1724,1726 corresponding to legend ranges 1712, 1714, 1716 of an applicationrate legend 1710. The data used to generate the map layer 1755 may beaccessed from a memory outside the monitor system 100. For example,nitrogen application rate data may be transferred (e.g., via a portablememory) from a desktop computer used to generate a nitrogen applicationprescription or a nitrogen application monitor system used to controland record as-applied nitrogen application.

Turning to FIG. 18, a fourth implementation of the process 1900 isillustrated in a map screen 1800. The map screen 1800 preferablyincludes a soil type window 1850 and a live yield map window 1660substantially similar to the live yield map window 1660 in the mapscreen 1600 of FIG. 16. The soil type window 1850 preferably displays amap layer 1855 representing spatially soil types in the field. The maplayer 1855 preferably comprises a set of soil type polygons 1822, 1824,1826 corresponding to legend ranges 1812, 1814, 1816 of an soil typelegend 1810. A combine annotation 12 b is preferably displayed in thesoil type window 1850; as the combine traverses the field, the displaydevice 130 preferably updates the location of the combine annotation 12b such that the combine annotation 12 b is displayed at the location onthe map layer 1855 corresponding to the same geo-referenced location asthe current location of the combine annotation 12 on the map layer 1665.

Components described herein as being in electrical communication may bein data communication via any suitable device or devices. The term “datacommunication” as used herein is intended to encompass wireless (e.g.,radio-based), electrical, electronic, and other forms of digital oranalog data transmission. Components described herein as being incommunication via a harness may be in data communication via anysuitable device or devices. A harness may comprise a single electricalline or a bundled plurality of electrical lines, and may comprise apoint-to-point connection or a bus.

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principlesand features of the system and methods described herein will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system andmethods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of monitoring a planting implementhaving a plurality of row units for planting seed in a field, the methodcomprising: sending command signals based on a prescription to controlsaid plurality of row units for said planting said seed in said field,wherein each row unit of the plurality of row units comprises at leastone selected from the group consisting of: a clutch, a drive, and adownforce valve; monitoring a row unit location of each of the pluralityof row units to obtain as-applied data indicating performance of theplurality of row units in response to the command signals for one ormore row unit performance criteria of each of the plurality of rowunits, wherein the one or more row unit performance criteria include acriterion that is related to a seed population planted by the row unitat said row unit location; computing deviation values for the row unitperformance criterion that is related to the seed population at aplurality of locations, the deviation values indicating a differencebetween the prescription and the as-applied data; and generating anddisplaying a live spatial map that includes a plurality of map blocksthat indicate respective ranges of said deviation values for the rowunit performance criterion that is related to the seed population,wherein each map block of the plurality of map blocks corresponds to arespective row unit of the plurality of row units.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more row unit performance criteria includea criterion that is related to a seed spacing effected by the row unitat said row unit location.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said one ormore row unit performance criteria include a criterion that is relatedto a ride quality experienced by the row unit at said row unit location.4. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more row unit performancecriteria include a criterion that is related to a downforce imposed bythe row unit on a soil surface at said row unit location.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein each map block of the plurality of map blocks havinga color corresponding to a range of deviation values of said criterionthat is related to the seed population.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein each map block of the plurality of map blocks has a map positioncorresponding to said row unit location at a time interval during whichsaid one or more row unit performance criteria are measured.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein said one or more row unit performancecriteria include a criterion that is related to a seed spacing effectedby the row unit at said row unit location.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein said one or more row unit performance criteria include acriterion that is related to a ride quality experienced by the row unitat said row unit location.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein said one ormore row unit performance criteria include a criterion that is relatedto a downforce imposed by the row unit on a soil surface at said rowunit location.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein said live spatial mapis superimposed over an aerial image, wherein each map block of theplurality of map blocks has a geo-referenced position, wherein each mapblock is superimposed over a portion of said aerial image correspondingto said geo-referenced position of said map block.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said live spatial map includes a graphicalrepresentation of the planting implement.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein a graphical location of said graphical representationcorresponds to a geo-referenced position of the planting implement, andwherein said graphical location is adjusted as the planting implementtraverses the field.
 13. A method of monitoring an agriculturalimplement, comprising: receiving as-applied data from an implementsensor in a field with a monitor device, said as-applied datacorresponding to an implemented prescription; processing said as-applieddata with said monitor device to generate processed as-applied data;comparing authentication data from said monitor device to a key storedin a memory of a communication module; permitting communication of saidas-applied data between said monitor device and a display device viasaid communication module if said authentication data corresponds tosaid key; wherein said communication module includes an authenticationchip, and wherein said authentication chip selectively permitstransmission of said as-applied data between said display device andsaid monitor device; modifying said implemented prescription on saiddisplay device; after said modifying said implemented prescription:transmitting said implemented prescription to said monitor device viasaid communication module; controlling, in said field and based on saidimplemented prescription, an operating parameter of said agriculturalimplement.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said display devicecomprises a multi-function computing device.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein said display device includes memory, wherein an Internet browseris stored in said memory.
 16. The method of claim 13, further including:comparing said authentication data to a key stored in memory of saidcommunication module; and permitting communication of said as-applieddata and said implemented prescription between said communication moduleand said display device if said authentication data corresponds to saidkey.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said display device comprises amulti-function computing device, and wherein said display deviceincludes a camera, a GPS receiver, and a modem.
 18. The method of claim13, wherein said as-applied data comprises a seed sensor signal andwherein said agricultural implement comprises a seed meter drive. 19.The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying, on said displaydevice, a map that represents a spatial variation in populationdeviation.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying, onsaid display device, a map that represents both spatial variation inground contact and downforce.
 21. The method of claim 13, furtherincluding: counting seed pulses in subsequent intervals; calculatingtime between corresponding seed pulses in said subsequent intervals;determining a row velocity in a first interval; and calculatingas-applied population within said first interval.
 22. The method ofclaim 13, further including: recording times of seed pulses withinsubsequent intervals; identifying and classifying errors within a firstinterval; counting a number of errors of each type of error within afirst interval; determining a number of good blocks and a number oferror blocks to place within a map unit; and randomizing a spatial orderof said good blocks and said error blocks within said map unit.
 23. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising displaying, on said displaydevice, a map that represents a spatial variation in one of ridequality, downforce, singulation, spacing, and population deviation.